Lookback: Disclosing My MS

When I was asked if this blog could be reposted, I was thrilled. I had not been active in the blog space in quite some time and it took me right back to the beginning of my engagement with MS Ireland. I was asked to read over the blog to see if I wished to edit it. Did I have a new perspective on things? Had my thoughts on disclosing my MS developed in any way? 

The idea of reading something I wrote close to 10 years ago was a little daunting and, before I read it, I braced myself to cringe. I was surprised to find that my thoughts from then are still very relevant to me today. Disclosure has been a friend to me in so many ways. When it comes to friends and family, I feel it is important that I am open and honest. I had this attitude from day one and I am glad I did. It has served me well in ensuring that those around me are aware of the challenges I may be facing and it means I can receive the support I need from them, if and when I need it.

Obligatory disclosure 

The only thing I can think to add is that disclosing my MS has changed a little in terms of who I have had to share it with. When I initially wrote this piece in 2016, I typically disclosed my condition with the aim of receiving support. For example, I might disclose MS to an airline to ensure I can access support while travelling. 

In the past number of years, disclosure has been a little more out of obligation than choice. For example, two years ago my partner and I bought a home together and, as part of the process, I had to disclose my condition. I thought this might work against us but I knew from the MS Ireland webinar which explored mortgages, life assurance and pensions, that securing a mortgage was still a possibility. However, there was still a level of uncertainty because nothing is ever straight forward. It was probably the most challenging disclosure to date because I knew that, at best, it would result in a loading on the insurance premium, but, at worst, it could prevent us from progressing in building our lives together. In the end, it was best-case scenario.

Being asked to reflect on my previous blog has shown me how my relationship with disclosure has developed. While I still believe what I initially wrote to be accurate to me, I have had new considerations in this space when it comes to obligatory disclosure. I wonder if I was asked to look at this again in 10 years what else might have changed? How else might my thoughts on disclosure have developed?

The views and opinions expressed here are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information provided, the editor is not responsible for any error or inaccuracy contained herein.

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